The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological alert due to a significant rise in Oropouche virus cases across Latin America, with around 7,500 cases reported in Brazil alone this year.

This outbreak coincides with Brazil's worst dengue epidemic in history, which has seen over six million infections reported this year, raising concerns about the spread of Oropouche fever.

Tragically, two young women in Bahia, Brazil, aged 21 and 24, have died from Oropouche fever, exhibiting severe symptoms similar to those of dengue without any pre-existing health conditions.

In light of these fatalities, Brazilian health authorities are investigating potential links between Oropouche fever and congenital malformations, following a confirmed case of fetal death associated with the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is collaborating with PAHO to further investigate the risks of Oropouche virus during pregnancy, given its potential effects on unborn children.

Health officials are advising pregnant women to avoid travel to regions where Oropouche fever is prevalent, due to potential risks similar to those associated with the Zika virus.

Experts believe that the Oropouche virus is unlikely to spread in Europe, as the native mosquitoes capable of transmission and the necessary animal reservoirs are not present there.

In Europe, infections have been reported among travelers returning from outbreak regions, with confirmed cases in Germany, Italy, and Spain, but no local transmission has been documented.

Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for Oropouche fever, making vector control and personal protection crucial for prevention.

The Oropouche virus is primarily transmitted by the Culicoides paraensis midge, which is unique to Latin America, although other mosquito species can also carry the virus.

Symptoms of Oropouche fever include headaches, muscle and joint pain, nausea, and diarrhea, resembling those of dengue and chikungunya, with severe cases occurring rarely.

PAHO has reported the first fatalities associated with the Oropouche virus, including fetal deaths linked to possible mother-to-child transmission.